Katsuhiko Endo (Katsuhiko Endo Architect and Associates)

The site is located on high ground surrounded by the Yamizo mountain range, with a clear view to Daigo’s town center. This government building’s large roof protects it against excessive solar heat gain, wind and rain, creating a forest-like atmosphere, for integration with its surroundings. Some key architectural elements include the choice of module dimensions to maximise efficiency of load paths and yield rate of local raw wood, its quasi-fireproof strategy, and the layout of facilities tailored to fit its structural framing. The careful consideration of all these elements creates this structure’s autonomous nature.